Welcome to the Insurance Online News podcast with your host, Paige Estritori, where we deliver the latest and most significant news from the world of insurance in Australia. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to bring you the freshest updates, focusing on the stories that matter the most to both Australian businesses and individual consumers over the past week.
Through meticulous research, we transform these developments into original content that not only keeps you informed but also offers deep insights into the insurance landscape as it stands today. Our podcast distills these crucial updates into a format that's both succinct and captivating. For professionals within the insurance realm or personal consumers keen on keeping up with insurance trends, look no further. Paige Estritori brings you all the essential information daily, making our podcast the ultimate destination for trustworthy and impactful insurance news.
This Week:
Paige Estritori covers four updates for Australian insurance consumers and small businesses: mass hail damage in QLD/NSW and how to lodge motor claims; AFCA staffing up a scams ombudsman service with expanded powers from 12 March; a review finding online motor applications often ask personal questions without clear relevance; and a Senate inquiry into a bill to ban use of genetic test results in life insurance, with submissions due 21 January and a report due 26 February. Listeners are encouraged to compare policies and seek broker help at insuranceonline.com.au.
Hello and welcome to Insurance Online News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Thursday 4 December 2025.
First, those spring storms have been brutal. Across Queensland and parts of New South Wales, about forty thousand motor insurance claims have been lodged after recent hail. Insurers have set up assessment centres and are urging quick lodgement. Take clear photos, keep receipts for urgent fixes, and check your excess before booking repairs. If your car was hit more than once, ask whether its one claim or separate events.
Next up, AFCA — the Australian Financial Complaints Authority — is gearing up to launch a dedicated scams ombudsman service. From 12 March, AFCAs remit will expand to examine receiving banks and accounts opened by fraudsters, even when youre not their customer. That gives households and small businesses another pathway to escalate scam disputes. Keep payment records and verification steps handy; they can help if a complaint is needed.
Meanwhile, a review of online motor insurance applications found some insurers ask for personal details like relationship or job status without explaining why. The code body says that falls short and wants less reliance on bankruptcy as a risk signal. If a question seems unrelated, ask how it affects your premium. Comparing policies side by side, or using an independent broker, can help you secure fair, suitable cover.
And in life insurance, parliament has sent a bill to a Senate inquiry that would ban insurers from using genetic test results in underwriting. Submissions close 21 January, with a report due 26 February. If it passes, people could take medical tests without fearing impacts on life cover. When you compare life policies, expect clearer guidance on what you do — and dont — need to disclose.
Thats the wrap. For fast, free quotes and expert broker support Australia‑wide, visit insuranceonline.com.au — and get your cover sorted with confidence.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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